Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that soldiers on anti-banditry operations in Katsina State have killed 3 bandits and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles from them.
The soldiers of Operation ACCORD were said to be on Night patrol when the came in contact with the bandits at Yar Tasha village in Kastina.
The Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, who made the disclosure in a statement, said the soldiers arrested ten suspected bandits migrating with rustled livestock while several others escaped with gunshot injuries.
Gen Enenche also said that one kidnapped victim who was rescued during the operations has since been reunited with his family.
The statement reads:
‘In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out banditry and sundry crimes in the North-West zone of the country, troops of Operation ACCORD have recorded significant successes. Troops of Operation ACCORD yesterday 15 November 2020 while on Night patrol at Yar Tasha village made contact with armed bandits and engaged them in a firefight. During the encounter, 3 armed bandits were neutralised while others escaped with various degree of gunshot wounds. Equally, 3 AK 47 rifles were recovered during the operation.
‘In another development, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits, troops conducted fighting patrol to Natsinta and Dawanna villages in Jibia Local Government Area along Katsina-Jibia road. In the course of operation, 10 suspected bandits migrating with rustled livestock were arrested. Upon interrogation, suspects claimed that they migrated from Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State to Niger Republic. Suspects were arrested with 88 cows and an unconfirmed number of sheep. Suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.
‘Similarly, troops deployed at Ungwan Doka on 15 November 2020, rescued one kidnapped victim named Adamu Yahaya. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped at Unguwar Sa’ida village in Faskari Local Government Area. The victim has been reunited with his family. Currently, the gallant troops have continued to dominate the general area with patrols to provide security for locals and deny bandits freedom of action.
‘The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for their professionalism and encourages them to intensify the onslaught against the criminal elements in the country.’